logo
Protesters turn out as woman appears in court over alleged support for Hamas

Protesters turn out as woman appears in court over alleged support for Hamas

Yahoo3 days ago
Pro-Palestine protesters chanted outside the Old Bailey as a 21-year-old woman appeared in court accused of expressing support for Hamas in a speech at a London university.
Student Sarah Cotte, from Camden, north London, has denied two charges of expressing 'an opinion or belief in support of a proscribed organisation'.
On October 9 2023, it is alleged she gave a speech at Soas University of London 'being reckless' as to whether a person would be encouraged to support a proscribed organisation.
Seven days later, she allegedly expressed support for Hamas by giving her opinion in a WhatsApp group chat.
On Friday, Cotte appeared at the Old Bailey and sat in the well of the court for a hearing before the trial judge, Richard Marks KC.
The judge set a further pre-trial hearing for October 24 and granted Cotte continued conditional bail.
The defendant faces a 10-day trial at the Old Bailey from February 23 next year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters faces possible prosecution after supporting banned Palestine Action
Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters faces possible prosecution after supporting banned Palestine Action

Fox News

timean hour ago

  • Fox News

Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters faces possible prosecution after supporting banned Palestine Action

Former Pink Floyd songwriter Roger Waters could face prosecution after declaring his support for Palestine Action, a terrorist organization that has been banned by Parliament in the U.K. Waters posted a video to X on Saturday, in which the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame inductee praised Palestine Action as a "great organization," while also giving kudos to Bob Vylan, who led the Glastonbury Festival crowd in a chant, shouting, "Death, death to the IDF." Waters said in his video that he was in his studio and was working on a piece of brown cardboard with a Sharpie. He then switched the camera from his face to the cardboard. "This says, 'Roger Waters supports Palestine Action, 5th of July 2025. Parliament has been corrupted by agents of a genocidal foreign power. Stand up and be counted. It's Now,'" Waters read. "This is the moment. I am Spartacus." "This is Independence Day, July 5th, 2025," he continued. "I declare my independence from the government of the U.K., who've just designated Palestine Action a terrorist, proscribed terrorist organization." Waters said he supports Palestine Action, calling it a "great organization," and noting that they are "nonviolent" and "absolutely not terrorists in any way." "They're a nonviolent protest organization protesting the presence in the U.K. of Elbit Systems, who are an Israeli arms manufacturing organization," he said. "All right. So, that's that. I support Palestine Action, and I always will because that is the right thing to do." He then turned his attention to others who support Palestine, like Bob Vylan, a punk-rap duo who led anti-Israel chants at the Glastonbury Festival late last month. "We must support our brothers and sisters in Palestine and support them no matter what," Waters said. "So good on you, what was your name? Vylan. Good on you, Vylan, and the rest of you who are standing up to be counted. I love you." Reuters reported that last week, the U.K. government moved to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws after its activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two planes in protest of what the organization called Britain's support for Israel. After a parliamentary vote, the government proscribed the group as a terrorist organization, and the ban went into effect at midnight. Under U.K. law, offenses include things like inviting support, expressing approval or displaying symbols of a banned group, and violations are punishable by up to 14 years behind bars and/or a fine. There are currently 81 groups listed under anti-terrorism laws in Britain, including al-Qaeda, ISIS and Hamas. Parliament's Minister of State, Sir David Hanson, said after the amendment's approval that Palestine Action released an "undercover manual" that encourages its members to create small groups and provides guidance about how to conduct activity against private companies and government buildings. Hanson also said the manual explains how to operate covertly and evade arrest. "The Government have assessed that Palestine Action promotes and encourages terrorism. This includes glorification of its attacks involving serious property damage on social media," Hanson said. "I have to say that we would not tolerate this activity from organisations if they were motivated by Islamist or extreme right-wing ideologies, and therefore I cannot tolerate it from Palestine Action." "By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Action's veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support and degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name," he added. The Campaign Against Antisemitism, which, according to the group's site, is a "volunteer-led charity dedicated to exposing and countering antisemitism through education and zero-tolerance enforcement of law," shared Waters' video on X shortly after it was posted by the former Pink Floyd member. The group said it reviewed the post, adding that anyone who expresses support for it, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000, is committing a criminal offense. They also said they stand ready to privately prosecute offenders when authorities fail to act. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism told Fox News Digital, "The suggestion that the Jewish state wields excessive political influence is a breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism." "Roger Waters has a long history of promoting dangerous conspiratorial tropes," the spokesperson said. "His declaration of support for Palestine Action, now a banned organisation, is his most legally provocative move yet. We expect the police to take action, and if they do not then we will."

Ministers fail to rule out cutting Send school plans after campaigners' concerns
Ministers fail to rule out cutting Send school plans after campaigners' concerns

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Ministers fail to rule out cutting Send school plans after campaigners' concerns

Ministers have failed to rule out slashing education plans for children and young people with special educational needs, after campaigners warned against the move. Education minister Stephen Morgan insisted parents should have 'absolutely' no fear that support for children with special needs or disabilities (Send) will be scaled back. But he could not guarantee that the current system of education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which are issued to give children specialist classroom support, would remain in place. In a letter shared with the Guardian newspaper, campaigners have said that without the documents in mainstream schools, 'many thousands of children risk being denied vital provision, or losing access to education altogether'. On Monday, Mr Morgan told broadcaster LBC the current system of support is 'failing children, it's failing parents'. Asked if concerned campaigners could have no fear that Send support will be scaled back, Mr Morgan replied: 'Absolutely. What we want to do is make sure we've got a better system in place as a result of the reform that we're doing that improves outcomes for children with additional needs.' But pressed whether the reforms could include scrapping ECHPs, Mr Morgan replied: 'We're looking at all things in the round. 'I'm not going to get into the mechanics today, but this is about strengthening support for system.' On Sunday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson would similarly not be drawn on whether the plans will be retained. 'What I can say very clearly is that we will strengthen and put in place better support for children,' she told the BBC. The Government plans to publish a white paper in the autumn detailing how it will reform support for Send, according to Mr Morgan. Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Ms Phillipson said children with special needs will 'always' have a 'legal right' to additional support. She said: 'The guiding principle of any reform to the Send system that we will set out will be about better support for children, strengthened support for children and improved support for children, both inside and outside of special schools. 'Improved inclusivity in mainstream schools, more specialist provision in mainstream schools, and absolutely drawing on the expertise of the specialist sector in creating the places where we need them, there will always be a legal right… to the additional support… that children with Send need.' Requests for Send support have risen year-on-year. In total, there were 638,745 EHCPs in place in January 2025, up 10.8% on the same point last year. The number of new plans which started during 2024 also grew by 15.8% on the previous year, to 97,747. Requests for children to be assessed for EHCPs rose by 11.8% to 154,489 in 2024. In a letter to the Guardian, campaigners including the heads of charities, professors, Send parents including actor Sally Phillips, and campaigners including broadcaster Chris Packham warned against scrapping ECHPs as part of any overhaul of support. 'Whatever the Send system's problems, the answer is not to remove the rights of children and young people. Families cannot afford to lose these precious legal protections,' they said. MPs have warned ministers have not been clear about their plans, and could face a rebellion akin to last week's welfare Bill revolt, according to the Guardian. In a signal the Government is willing to square up to its rebellious backbenchers, Mr Morgan told ITV's Good Morning Britain that Labour MPs had 'stood on a platform a manifesto commitment to reform the Send system'. He also would not be drawn into suggestions by Good Morning Britain that the reforms were a cost-cutting measure being driven by the Treasury. 'Well, look at the figures. We've actually put more money into the Send system, the £1 billion for high needs announced last year,' he replied to the question. Amid mounting pressure from MPs to scrap the two-child benefit cap, the minister said 'nothing has changed' in the Government's plans, which will see a child poverty strategy report back in the autumn. Mr Morgan added: 'We're looking at all levers to bring down child poverty, but that's got to be fiscally done well, and obviously we need to grow our economy.' Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson said: 'The Send system urgently needs fixing, but ministers mustn't use that as an excuse to balance the books on the backs of disabled children. 'The Government is ignoring the concerns of special needs families and campaigners, and is in serious danger of sleepwalking into another crisis – just like they did with the welfare Bill. 'Bridget Phillipson must listen to those concerns and come up with a proper solution that protects the most vulnerable in our communities, rather than throwing their support out the window.' During an adjournment debate on Send provision, Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coughlan said there are 'suicidal children with autism, who are repeatedly denied the support that is their right' in constituency of Dorking and Horley. Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'There is an unfair postcode lottery in the provision available depending on the financial position of local authorities and local health services, many of which suffered from years of underfunding under the previous government. 'The Government has recognised the need for reform, suggesting that, in future, mainstream schools could support more pupils with special educational needs. 'If this is to be achieved, access to quality staff Send training will be essential, and schools will need significantly improved funding and access to external support in order to ensure children consistently receive the provision they deserve.'

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may take a victory lap on Iran, but the war in Gaza looms over their meeting
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may take a victory lap on Iran, but the war in Gaza looms over their meeting

Chicago Tribune

timean hour ago

  • Chicago Tribune

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may take a victory lap on Iran, but the war in Gaza looms over their meeting

WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump might look to take a victory lap on Monday after their recent joint strikes on Iran, hailed by both as an unmitigated success. But as they meet at the White House for the third time this year, the outwardly triumphant visit will be dogged by Israel's 21-month war against Hamas in Gaza and questions over how hard Trump will push for an end to the conflict. Trump has made clear that following last month's 12-day war between Israel and Iran he would like to see the Gaza conflict end soon. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu could give new urgency to a U.S. ceasefire proposal being discussed by Israel and Hamas, but whether it leads to a deal that ends the war is unclear. 'The utmost priority for the president right now in the Middle East is to end the war in Gaza and to return all of the hostages,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters ahead of the leaders' private dinner. Before departing for Washington on Sunday, Netanyahu praised the cooperation with the U.S. for bringing a 'huge victory over our shared enemy.' He struck a positive note on a ceasefire for Gaza, saying he was working 'to achieve the deal under discussion, on the terms we agreed to.' The prime minister was scheduled to hold separate meetings on Monday with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the dinner with Trump. Netanyahu is slated to meet Tuesday with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. 'I think that the discussion with President Trump can certainly help advance that result, which all of us hope for,' Netanyahu said. White House officials are urging Israel and Hamas to quickly seal a new ceasefire agreement that would bring about a 60-day pause in the fighting, send aid flooding into Gaza and free at least some of the remaining 50 hostages held in the territory, 20 of whom are believed to be living. Leavitt announced on Monday that Witkoff will travel later this week to Doha, Qatar, for ceasefire and hostage talks. But a sticking point is whether the ceasefire will end the war altogether. Hamas has said it is willing to free all the hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu says the war will end once Hamas surrenders, disarms and goes into exile — something it refuses to do. Demonstrators, including hostage family members, gathered outside the U.S. Capitol before the leaders' meeting to press for the release of all remaining hostages in any agreement. 'We cannot accept a deal for a partial release,' said Ilan Dalal, father of Guy Gilboa-Dalal. 'A partial deal would mean that some of the hostages will stay in the tunnels for more time and this would be a death sentence.' Trump has been pressuring Israel and Hamas to wrap up the conflict, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, ravaged Gaza, deepened Israel's international isolation and made any resolution to the broader conflict between Israel and the Palestinians more distant than ever. But the precise details of the deal, and whether it can lead to an end to the war, are still in flux. In the days before Netanyahu's visit, Trump seemed to downplay the chances for a breakthrough. Asked on Friday how confident he was a ceasefire deal would come together, Trump told reporters: 'I'm very optimistic — but you know, look, it changes from day to day.' On Sunday evening, he seemed to narrow his expectation, telling reporters that he thought an agreement related to the remaining hostages would be reached in the coming week. Those mood swings also have embodied Trump's relationship with Netanyahu. After Trump's decision to get involved in Israel's war in Iran with strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the two leaders are more in sync than ever. But that's not always been the case. As recently as Netanyahu's last visit to Washington in April, the tone was markedly different. Trump used the photo-op with Netanyahu to announce that the U.S. was entering into negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program — appearing to catch the Israeli leader off guard and, at the time, slamming the brakes on any Israeli military plan. Trump, whose policies have largely aligned with Israel's own priorities, pledged last week to be 'very firm' with Netanyahu on ending the war, without saying what that would entail. Pressure by Trump has worked on Netanyahu in the past, with a ceasefire deal having been reached right as the president was taking office again. Netanyahu has to balance the demands of his American ally with the far-right parties in his governing coalition, which hold the key to his political survival and oppose ending the war. But given the strong U.S. support in Israel's war against Iran, highlighted by joint airstrikes on a fortified underground Iranian nuclear site, Netanyahu may have a tough time saying no. Trump also may expect something in return for his recent calls for Netanyahu's corruption trial to be canceled — a significant interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state. 'Trump thinks that Netanyahu owes him,' said Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel affairs at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv. 'And if Trump thinks that he needs to end the war In Gaza, then that is what he will need to do.' The two men are expected to discuss the ceasefire with Iran following last month's strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, Leavitt said. Trump on Sunday told reporters he continues to look for a 'permanent deal' with Tehran to ensure Iran doesn't try to restart its nuclear program. Trump administration officials maintain that Iran's nuclear program has been set back by years. They point in particular to intelligence findings that show the strikes destroyed Iran's lone metal conversion facility. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian in an interview published Monday said the U.S. airstrikes so badly damaged his country's nuclear facilities that Iranian authorities still have not been able to access them to survey the destruction. Pezeshkian added in the interview with conservative American broadcaster Tucker Carlson that Iran would be willing to resume cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog but cannot yet commit to allowing its inspectors unfettered access to monitor the sites. 'We stand ready to have such supervision,' Pezeshkian said. 'Unfortunately, as a result of the United States' unlawful attacks against our nuclear centers and installations, many of the pieces of equipment and the facilities there have been severely damaged.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store